Familiarity Breeds ComfortSoumya Venkateswaran

Common App Essay 2013-2014
Prompt #4: Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?

Comfort is different to everyone: we may find comfort and serenity in nature, at the beach when seafoam waves gently caress our skin, or we may be comforted by the smaller, even insignificant things in life, like a smile from a stranger or listening to a favorite song in a time of despair. To me, comfort is an ineffable atmosphere of content and tranquility that exists when I escape from all other thoughts and emotions and reflect on myself and my happiness. That type of environment, although difficult to find, is accessible to me in my home country, India.

Of all places, I find solace and fulfillment in the world’s second most populous nation. Amongst the immeasurable crowds, the rays of the scorching sun, and the 1.2 billion inhabitants, however, I unearth a connection between my Indian culture and nature. I’ve stood out of the crowd for eighteen straight years, whether in terms of my physical appearance, my values, or even my vegetarianism. As proud as I am to be different from others, sometimes it is refreshing to be accepted wholeheartedly and have your culture and morals completely appreciated. India is a place where I don’t have to suppress my culture and morals for others; I’m not looked upon...